For wildlife a long lens is the standard peace of equipment. You need a dslr (or other cameras which take exchangeable lenses) and at least a 300mm lens. 400mm is much better and longer may be even better. Consider, however, that you may be in a vehicle with others, in areas where you can’t get out of the vehicle to set up a tripod. So shaking can be a problem.
You often have clear open days, with bright light, so you can take really fast shots (less time for shaking,) but still, anything over a 300 you really don’t want to hand hold or get shaken while taking pictures. You don’t want to change lenses too much, so if you have a standard lens and a long lens, you may want to take two bodies. Otherwise, make a rule that in the field you just don’t change lenses. A dusty sensor is going to give you a headache. And you certainly don’t want to clean that out in the field. Be aware of flashes. Respect wildlife while in Africa.
Don’t use flashes at a waterhole at night or on game drive. There are some nice techniques that you can use to take photographs at night, such as using your guides spotlight to paint a wildlife scene in a long exposure. You may want to take a nice digital point and shoot for going into areas where there are people, and that may be risky for carrying a large lens and camera around. Remember always that in people centers in Africa, a large lenses and camera shout “rich and easy”.
Also consider memory. You may want a small portable hard drive. They are also great for viewing images. Even though you can store so much, don’t keep too much. You probably will never find the time to view them, let alone sort them out if you arrive home with 5000 images! Power may be an issue. Take enough charged batteries. Try to get a car charger for your batteries as well, and perhaps your guide can charge it for you in the vehicle while you drive.
For gorilla trekking, be sure you have some good (and broken in) hiking boots. They don’t call it Bwindi an impenetrable forest for nothing. Also for gorilla trekking tours and safaris, long pants/trousers and tall socks that you can tuck your pants in to. This works totally great. Though some trackers get fancy hiking gear that includes some sort or sleeve type thing that goes over the pants from the knee to the shoe and prevents ants from getting in. Either way works.
With long skirts – be careful that they are not too thick of material. Some skirts people bring are not nearly as ideal as you would imagine, because you can get really hot wearing them. With long pants – consider if they drag/touch the ground. The red dirt will get on anything that it touches. So just be forewarned. I would recommend a pair of chaos to wear around the compound or another sturdy walking sandal for daily use.
Breathable long sleeve button down shirts are ideal it’s cool in the morning up in the mountains, but gets hot once you start hiking. Bring gloves, gardening or similar – it may seem like something not to be considered but you will not regret! They help as you often grab on to trees and vines to help yourself along the tough hike, and plenty of times you may grab onto thorns. Your hands may get a little ripped up by the end. It does not get that bad, but it’s ideal.
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